The World Health Organization (WHO), together with the Fédération Internationale de Football Association (FIFA), has launched a global awareness campaign on concussions.
This is stated in a statement issued by the WHO on Wednesday.
The “Suspect and Protect: No Game is Worth the Risk” campaign aims to educate players, coaches and medical staff about the risks of brain injuries, and concussions in particular, and promote safe return-to-play practices.
Concussion
FIFA President Gianni Infantino said concussion as a brain injury should always be taken seriously and stressed that “playing football should be something that everyone can enjoy safely, everywhere.”
“If we know the signs of a concussion, are aware of the risks and treat concussion correctly, we can help put player safety first,” he said.
FIFA President Gianni Infantino.
WHO Director-General Tedros Ghebreyesus described concussion as a public health problem that requires greater awareness.
He said: “Concussion is a public health issue of concern at all levels of football and many other sports and requires increased levels of awareness and action.
Article page with promotion of financial support
“That is why WHO is proud to partner with FIFA on the Suspect and Protect campaign to promote ways to protect the brains of young and old football players around the world from the risks of concussion.”
According to the statement, symptoms of a concussion can take up to 72 hours to appear and players should be removed from play immediately if they are suspected of having suffered a concussion. “Medical evaluation within 24 hours and gradual return to activity under medical supervision are also crucial.”
Concussion awareness campaign
The WHO said the campaign is in line with the strategic objectives of the World Game for 2023-2027.
FIFA’s Strategic Objectives for 2023-2027 focus on four main areas: enhancing competitions, developing football globally, strengthening governance and regulation, and driving revenue growth and digital transformation.
Key goals include increasing female participation and expanding membership, among others.
The statement said the goals seek to drive growth, development and innovation in football around the world, in line with FIFA's mission to develop the game and reach the world.
The campaign emphasizes the importance of understanding concussion as a traumatic brain injury, identifying concussion symptoms, and immediately removing symptomatic players from play to seek medical attention.
The statement revealed that this initiative will be implemented across all FIFA channels, while toolkits will be provided to 211 FIFA member associations for implementation at national, regional and local levels.
Furthermore, the campaign is based on three main action points for audiences within national teams, professional clubs and leagues and amateur and grassroots communities.
Mr Infantino thanked his team for their tireless efforts.
“A big thank you to FIFA’s member associations for their efforts in coming forward with us and for following the advice provided by our colleagues at the World Health Organization,” he said.
Understanding Concussion Risks in Football
FIFA’s concussion awareness campaign highlights the importance of recognising and responding to the symptoms of a concussion. “Whether you are a player, coach, team doctor, parent or carer, it is critical to understand that a concussion is a traumatic brain injury.”
To address this, FIFA recommends that people are aware that concussion is a serious injury that requires immediate attention and are aware of the common signs, including headache, nausea, balance problems, dizziness, blurred vision, sensitivity to light and noise, memory problems, drowsiness, confusion and sleep disturbances.
He said if someone suffers a direct or indirect impact to the head, face, neck or body, they should be evaluated for concussion symptoms, which can take up to 72 hours to appear.
He also said that if symptoms occur, individuals are protected by immediately removing them from play, and said that “a medical evaluation is required within 24 hours and players should follow medical guidance upon returning to play.”
He also noted that some symptoms require urgent medical attention and that it is essential to remember that concussion symptoms can evolve over time.
“The clear message of the campaign is: no party is worth the risk,” the statement said.
The growing efforts of the WHO
Meanwhile, WHO said it has been working to promote optimal brain development, neurological health and well-being globally, with its key focus areas including strengthening brain health infrastructure in low- and middle-income countries, developing integrated and person-centred approaches to brain health, and promoting global collaboration and investment.
Guided by the Intersectoral Global Action Plan (2022-2031), WHO said efforts are aimed at improving the care, recovery and participation of people with neurological disorders, addressing the 70 percent of the global burden affecting low- and middle-income countries.